Certificate program to help financial planners provide guidance to clients on
philanthropic and charitable giving

DENVER (October 1, 2020) – Americans donated nearly $450 billion to charities in 2019, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. To help make philanthropic giving a competency among financial planners, the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) and the American Heart Association (AHA) launched Philanthropic Solutions in Financial Planning, a six-part certificate learning series, in conjunction with the 2020 FPA Annual Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

The certificate program delivers customized educational curriculum specially-designed for financial planning practitioners. The program explores the benefits of charitable giving and how philanthropic opportunities can be designed to meet long-term client objectives.

“With billions of dollars contributed to philanthropic endeavors each year, it’s essential financial planners are able to help clients craft charitable giving strategies that will make the biggest impact and ensure clients’ charitable goals are met,” says 2020 FPA President Martin C. Seay, Ph.D., CFP®. “I’m grateful to the American Heart Association for their collaboration with FPA to help our members—and all financial planners desiring to build on their competencies—develop efficient and effective philanthropy strategies for their clients."

As part of the FPA Learning Center, this six-part certificate learning series covers tangible and intangible charitable giving solutions, the role family philanthropy plays in effective wealth and business succession, and how to facilitate meaningful conversations and develop family philanthropy strategies with clients.

“The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives. Our work with the Financial Planning Association will enhance our mission to be a relentless force for that change,” said Bertram Scott, American Heart Association Chairman of the Board. “At a time such as this, informed philanthropic giving is critical to assisting and supporting communities around the country with essential needs that have been made worse by the pandemic. By providing professional education to FPA members, they will be equipped to advise the next generation of philanthropic supporters to make informed charitable decisions that will significantly transform and save lives for generations to come.”

The six modules are:

  • Module 1: The Benefits of Philanthropy and Ways to Engage Clients in Philanthropic Discussions. This module illustrates philanthropic planning within the context of values-based planning and examines multiple ways clients and advisers can benefit from it. Attendees will learn how to facilitate meaningful and productive philanthropic conversations with clients to help them achieve charitable giving goals.
     
  • Module 2: Charitable Legacies Through Bequests and Beneficiary Designations. This module helps financial planners better understand charitable bequests and how they can achieve client goals and objectives, particularly through wills, living trusts, and beneficiary designation accounts.
  • Module 3: Deferred Gifts That Bring Great Comfort Today: Gift Annuities and Retained Life Estates. This module acquaints financial planners with split-interest charitable gifts, specifically gift annuities and retained life estates. Attendees will learn how to effectively guide clients on gifts and strategies that meet their charitable goals.
     
  • Module 4: Problem-Solving Applications of Charitable Remainder Trust. This module uses case scenarios to cover financial and tax benefits, different types and uses, common applications and special considerations of Charitable Remainder Trusts.
     
  • Module 5: Donor-Friendly Alternatives to the Private Foundation: Donor Advised Funds, Endowments and Charitable Lead Trusts. This module examines the shared appeal of private foundations, Donor Advised Funds, endowments and Charitable Lead Trusts. Planners will learn how each vehicle functions, the advantages and disadvantages, and attributes best suited to fulfill a clients’ philanthropic objectives.
  • Module 6: Balancing Charitable and Family Legacies. This module explores simple, proven ways financial planners can present the integration of charitable and family legacies and the various strategies required.

Financial planners who complete the certificate program will receive membership into the AHA Professional Advisor Network and a digital badge and certificate. All CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals completing the program can earn up to six CFP® CE credits. Additionally, eligible participants can join AHA’s professional advisor referral program to connect with charitable donors.

Financial planners interested in learning more about the Philanthropic Solutions in Financial Planning certificate program can go here. Journalists interested in learning more about the program can contact Ryanne Harrah at RHarrah@OneFPA.org.

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About the Financial Planning Association

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals, educators, financial services professionals and students who are committed to elevating the profession that transforms lives through the power of financial planning. With a focus on the practice, business and profession of financial planning, FPA advances financial planning practitioners through every phase of their careers, from novice to master to leader of the profession. Learn more about FPA at FinancialPlanningAssociation.org and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/fpassociation.

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.